Reporting that is protecting our natural open space

Re: Making wetlands a priority – Published in Feb. 7, 2018 – The Oshawa Express

Dear editor,

Hurrah for the column – length editorial of Feb. 7 Making wetlands a priority!

Coupled with the rare for local media two-page investigative expose of the Port Authority/ FarmTech ethanol fiasco in December 2017, The Express has recognized, indeed insisted above all else: Protection of the natural values of such distinguished open space.

On the east side of the Marsh,  General Motors of Canada in 1990  invited visitors  to the thoughtfully prepared McLaughlan Bay Wildlife Reserve with plantings, trails with guided assistance, interpretive signage and maintenance  — all of which would have been degraded visually to start, then by such impacts as noise, dust, fumes had the ethanol refinery gone into production.

If your guidance is heeded, children may continue to  visit the marsh, but  in the not too distant future in much larger numbers for the experience of a unique transition from the built environment to the natural. It is called the Great Lakes Wetland Centre, designed by the renowned firm of architects, Diamond and Schmitt (UOIT).

Now that Mayor Henry and council have made them “an offer they can’t refuse,” we turn to Transport Minister Garneau and Environment Minister McKenna to ask ‘Are you listening?’. And then Ontario needs to give heed as well.

Hugh Peacock

Former President, Friends of Second Marsh